Zero Flight Attendant Furloughs
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: DL Diamond, Aeroplan Elite 75K
Posts: 2,260
Zero Flight Attendant Furloughs
Delta flight attendants have managed to avoid furloughs entirely through a combination of early outs, split lines and unpaid leaves. "We’re grateful for the continued rallying spirit of Delta people during the pandemic," said a spokesperson for the company. "With the overwhelming response of flight attendants choosing to participate in our creative staffing options – and based on our current network schedule – we are positioned well to be able to successfully manage through our flight attendant overstaffing situation."
United is furloughing 6,920 flight attendants on October 1st and American 8,099.
Congratulations to the best in the business Delta FAs.
https://viewfromthewing.com/delta-ai...ht-attendants/
United is furloughing 6,920 flight attendants on October 1st and American 8,099.
Congratulations to the best in the business Delta FAs.
https://viewfromthewing.com/delta-ai...ht-attendants/
#2
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM+(segs)/MM, UA Ag, Hilton DM, Marriott Ti (life Pt), TSA Opt-out Platinum
Posts: 3,016
DL FAs are special. No doubt. Even before this. I empathize with lose who left, I had a few friends at DL take the early out. Bittersweet times for many industries, but especially the travel industry.
#3
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: Delta DM, AA PLT, UA Gold, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,289
Assuming that stays true going forward and they are able to avoid furloughs well beyond October as well: A huge great job! to DL and DL management for steering the ship (plane?) as they have.

#6
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,040
Unpaid leave would be "voluntary", although could it include stuff like extended medical leave after all of one's paid medical leave is exhausted.
Typical reasons for unpaid leave now could be child care or care of a family member with medical needs, extended vacation, time off for a home renovation project, desire to escape from stress before returning to the job, etc.
For a furlough, the employer tells an employee that services aren't needed until at least date X, and there's no choice. With a full-time furlough, one should be able to get unemployment compensation. However, I'm not sure of the difference between a furlough and a lay-off except that these can be treated differently in union contracts and have different rights and priorities for being re-hired.
Typical reasons for unpaid leave now could be child care or care of a family member with medical needs, extended vacation, time off for a home renovation project, desire to escape from stress before returning to the job, etc.
For a furlough, the employer tells an employee that services aren't needed until at least date X, and there's no choice. With a full-time furlough, one should be able to get unemployment compensation. However, I'm not sure of the difference between a furlough and a lay-off except that these can be treated differently in union contracts and have different rights and priorities for being re-hired.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
Programs: DL Diam 2MM (2.3), HH Gold, PC Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 5,538
Quite an accomplishment to work it out. Especially impressive given that the FA group still includes folks who started with other airlines - certainly PMNW, but within the last 5 years (I think) I’ve flown with folks who started with Southern, NC, PA and Western. Some were pretty senior.
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,987
By that logic even when the pandemic is over and travel demand returns, DL should just hire even more flight attendants and keep service to the bare minimum. Would that make you happy since DL is providing even more jobs?
#9
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 183
Voluntary leave - Delta is picking up the employee contribution for healthcare. Continued access to jumpseat privileges, full flight benefits, 2 positive space passes for anyone who took at least 1 month off during the pandemic.
Furlough - eventually medical goes away unless you pay COBRA, flight benefits are at a lower priority and eventually stop, etc.
Furlough - eventually medical goes away unless you pay COBRA, flight benefits are at a lower priority and eventually stop, etc.
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,040
So if a FA knows that he/she is about to be furloughed, it's better to volunteer for a leave first at DL.
But then the person on the voluntary leave wouldn't be eligible for unemployment, right? And DL's experienced rated premium for unemployment insurance wouldn't take a hit?
But then the person on the voluntary leave wouldn't be eligible for unemployment, right? And DL's experienced rated premium for unemployment insurance wouldn't take a hit?
#11
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: DL PM, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 193
If, after travel demand rebounds, Delta does not improve their cabin service, that would be a different scenario. Do their competitors offer a superior product?
#12
Join Date: Sep 2016
Programs: DL PM, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 193
I believe you are correct on both counts. Plus, the WARN Act would not apply if they can keep layoffs and furloughs below the threshold.
#13
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 183
So if a FA knows that he/she is about to be furloughed, it's better to volunteer for a leave first at DL.
But then the person on the voluntary leave wouldn't be eligible for unemployment, right? And DL's experienced rated premium for unemployment insurance wouldn't take a hit?
But then the person on the voluntary leave wouldn't be eligible for unemployment, right? And DL's experienced rated premium for unemployment insurance wouldn't take a hit?
if you know youre about to be furloughed it really depends on what you want. If it was me I would stay on and fly as many hours as possible till they sent me packing to bank some extra cash. Being on voluntary leave doesnt exclude you from being furloughed if your number comes up.
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Orlando, FL Area
Programs: Delta SkySponge ExtraAbsorbent, SPG Gold
Posts: 29,987
I don't follow how willing to forgo the full beverage service during an extraordinary event means it would be acceptable when travel demands returns. What is wrong with accepting less service if it helps prevent job loss during this difficult time? I feel very fortunate that I've been able to maintain much of my revenue stream and I have made an effort to support local businesses in my area--I even tip extra when doing take-out (I know it must be shocking). I realize it doesn't make sense from a rational actor perspective, but being considerate of others is important to me.
If, after travel demand rebounds, Delta does not improve their cabin service, that would be a different scenario. Do their competitors offer a superior product?
If, after travel demand rebounds, Delta does not improve their cabin service, that would be a different scenario. Do their competitors offer a superior product?
If I were going through a hard time do you think Delta would care and offer me a cheaper flight? Of course not.